Alex Smith Trade Rumor Has Been Debunked and More NFC West News

Late last night, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that a trade was in place for 49ers backup quarterback Alex Smith. No destination was mentioned as nothing official can be announced until the beginning of the new league year on March 12.

However, less than 24 hours later, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee has debunked any trade rumors:

Matt Barrows @mattbarrows

With the caveat that everyone fibs at this time of the year: I'm told the #49ers do not have a trade deal in place for Alex Smith.

Which just goes to show that around the start of free agency, smokescreens and lies begin as agents and sources try to drum up news that only helps their client. Without question, the fabricated rumor that was passed along to La Canfora was nothing but a ploy to help sweeten a deal for the 49ers.

For example, if San Francisco were to say they had a deal in place for Smith in exchange for a fifth-round pick, they were hoping someone would call the 49ers and say, "I want Smith, but I'm willing to give you a fourth-round pick for him instead."

It's no surprise that this type of stuff goes on, the NFL is ultra competitive. Rumors and such also teach us the lesson that we should be skeptical until there is truly a deal in place and all parties have signed on the dotted line. Quote, unquote "trusted sources" can not always be trusted either. Just think about how often we hear "trusted sources" divulging false info.

So, it's safe to say the 49ers are still shopping No. 11. There's no official word as to what they are hoping to get for the veteran quarterback, yet in all likelihood, they will be looking to take the best offer that comes their way. Even if is a sixth-round pick.